Sniper rifles have the best damage and critical hit chance (which increases with each tech upgrade) of all non-explosive firearms.

They also have a range of 100, although it requires for the Sniper to have the Squad Sight ability to shoot targets out of sight.

Their drawbacks are their restrictions on movement and firing (which can be addressed with the Snap Snot ability with a -20% aim penalty).

Unlike other weapons (rifle, LMG, shotgun). Sniper rifles will receive a aim penalty if the target is too close. However, this does not mean that sniper rifle will receive bonus against distant targets. It will just receive no penalty.